In the Far East, rice is an indispensable crop and a staple food for more than half the world’s population. There are countless types of rice available today, but brown rice is considered the healthiest. Brown rice can be considered a perfectly balanced product. It has many advantages but none of the disadvantages of white rice.
Brown rice is paddy rice. Unpolished brown whole-grain rice contains twice as much fibre as polished white rice. Foods high in fibre are digested more slowly, have a low glycaemic index, and therefore do not have the sudden fluctuations in sugar levels of white rice, bread, potatoes or sweets. Rice is rich in fibre and minerals, so eating it keeps you feeling full for longer and makes it easier to manage your weight. Brown rice can be used safely by people with digestive disorders. In addition, rice consumption helps in cases of diarrhoea, as it prevents the body from leaching out useful substances.
Regular consumption of brown rice can improve memory, according to recent research by Japanese scientists. And if we used brown rice instead of white rice, we would protect ourselves from high blood pressure and atherosclerosis. We would also reduce the risk of heart attack. A study carried out by Temple University (USA) showed that brown rice contains substances that protect the heart.
Brown rice is an excellent source of thiamine, iron and zinc. This type of rice is rich in vitamins A, B, D and E. It also has a higher protein content than white rice. Nutritionists recommend eating brown rice two or three times a week. This is enough to ensure that the body gets the necessary amount of all the nutrients contained in the rice.
Benefits of brown rice for the body:
normalises gastrointestinal activity
cleanses from toxins
fights bad cholesterol
prevents constipation and helps with diarrhoea.
improves skin and hair condition
normalises the body’s water and salt balance
protects the nervous system
lowers blood pressure
improves the functioning of the kidneys and blood circulation
The long brown mahogany has a rich, salty nutty flavour and is perfect as a base or side dish for a variety of dishes.
Preparation (side dish for 2 people): wash the rice before cooking. You need 2 cups of water for 1 cup of rice. Simmer over a gentle heat for about 45 minutes or simmer for 30-35 minutes and leave to stand for another 15-20 minutes with the lid on. Salt the rice at the end of cooking, otherwise it will take longer to cook. You can soak for ~4 hours to shorten the cooking time. Once cooked, you can season the rice with olive oil or margarine for a creamier flavour, season with spices or your favourite sauce.
*The information provided should not be interpreted as a recommendation for medical treatment or other health problems. We encourage you to make personal health decisions after evaluating different sources of information.
